DECATUR — A visitor from the north nicknamed the jolly old elf, Santa Claus, will be paying an early visit to Decatur this year.
The first annual Decatur Christmas Festival will be held on Dec. 5 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the parking lot on the corner of Roller and Highway 59 in Decatur. This event (except for the chili supper) is free to the public.
The Christmas parade will start at 6 p.m. The parade will form from 5:30 p.m. to 5:45 at the old Decatur city park. The parade route will follow Highway 59 and end at the festival area off of Roller Ave.
The guest of honor for the Christmas Festival will be that conveyor of merriment, Santa Claus. Joining Claus, in one of her rare appearances, will be the other half of the Christmas duo, Mrs. Claus.
The Christmas Festival is spon-sored by the Decatur Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is also sponsoring a toy drive during the event. Visitors to the festival are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy. There will be drop bins throughout the festival grounds.
The music for this year’s festival will be provided by the Decatur High School Choir, Decatur Methodist Church Choir, Midway Pentecostal church, and Ger Vang. Vang will play a fl ute solo after the parade.
A chili supper, sponsored by the Decatur Parent-Teacher Organization and the Decatur Chamber of Commerce, will be available for a fee.
The Decatur Chamber is also sponsoring a House Lighting contest which will be judged on Dec. 13.
In case of inclement weather, the festival will be held in the community room at Decatur City Hall.
In case of inclement weather, the parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. For more information, call chamber voice mail line at 752-8460 or 586-0366.
News, Pages 1 on 12/04/2013